The Gaels waded into muddy waters on Aug. 24 in Windsor, dropping their season opener 25-21 to the Windsor Lancers—a team steadily rising in the ranks over the past decade.
This game also marked quarterback Alex Vreeken’s, ArtSci ’25, second appearance since returning from an injury that sidelined him for most of the 2023-24 season.
With the Gaels stumbling early, they conceded a rushing touchdown from the Lancers’ quarterback before relying on Tyler Mullan, ArtSci ’25, to knock down a 20-yard field goal. The Lancers wasted no time firing back, finding the end zone again with a 31-yard touchdown reception.
The willpower of running back Jared Chisari, MA ’25, put the Gaels back into the red zone for Mullan to fire home his second of the game.
Before the half expired, Vreeken was able to connect with Matt Camillo, ArtSci ’26, for a massive 54-yard touchdown, ending the second quarter 14-13 for the Lancers.
The second half was relatively lackluster offensively for the Gaels. While the Lancers were able to force two safeties and score a touchdown of their own in the third quarter, the Gaels were forced to abandon the ing game, scoring on a QB sneak early in the fourth quarter.
Vreeken ended the day with 50 per cent ing, with 14 completions on 28 attempts totaling 187 yards. While he threw four interceptions this game, it’s understandable as he readjusts to the pace of play and shakes off the cobwebs left behind by his injury.
On a brighter note, wide receiver Matt Camillo had a promising game, putting up 79 yards and proposing himself as a legitimate threat as part of the Gaels’ dangerous offence. Meanwhile, all-star Chisari picked up right where he left off last season, rushing for an impressive 166 yards on 21 attempts.
The Gaels will make their way to Richardson Stadium on Aug.. 31 for their home opener against the McMaster Marauders, who are coming off a 31-14 loss to Laurier.
While the Gaels have historically struggled against the Marauders, we are 6-1 at home against them, should we be able to leverage the energy of Richardson Stadium in our favour, we should see an exciting game with the Gaels coming out on top.
For this game, the Gaels have teamed up with the Brain Cancer Foundation of Canada to raise awareness and funds in honour of the Gaels’ late football coach, Dale Sands, who lost his life to a brain tumour in March.
For those interested in donating, or learning more about the initiative, you can do so at www.CoachSands.ca.
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